My list of things that beginners (and experts) should know.

[umbra1010]

thank you for this guide. very good information. i plan on going to get my bike permit as soon as i get off my lazy butt and get my drivers license.

[Tucker]

thank you for this guide. very good information. i plan on going to get my bike permit as soon as i get off my lazy butt and get my drivers license.

Glad you liked it! I wrote this quite a while ago, heh.

[Razorback71854]

PART II: SHIFTING

STEP 1:

After you MASTER part one of this tutorial, you may move on to this step. Once you get in gear, slowly release the clutch, apply a little bit of gas, and start moving...its time to start shifting. When to up shift (which is one full click up on the gear shifter) is subjective. If you are riding on the street, I recommend you shit from 5-8 thousand RPM.

LOL typo..

[Serlant]

600kms? fuck it you're practically thru the break-in anyway, I wouldn't worry about it.

[Its-Moe-Bitches]

PART II: SHIFTING

STEP 1:

After you MASTER part one of this tutorial, you may move on to this step. Once you get in gear, slowly release the clutch, apply a little bit of gas, and start moving...its time to start shifting. When to up shift (which is one full click up on the gear shifter) is subjective. If you are riding on the street, I recommend you shit from 5-8 thousand RPM.

LOL typo..

My b...after I wrote the guide, I got too lazy to proof read.

[goofysam]

thanks for the info, im a new rider and this helped, except when i read about downshifting. saying that u could lock up ur back wheel, if u have it at 3000rpm itd be pretty hard for the back to lock up right? itd only lock up at higher speeds? im freaking out about crashing so im just wondering?

[orgAn.d0nor]

thanks for the info, im a new rider and this helped, except when i read about downshifting. saying that u could lock up ur back wheel, if u have it at 3000rpm itd be pretty hard for the back to lock up right? itd only lock up at higher speeds? im freaking out about crashing so im just wondering?

If you're in 6th, cruising at 3k, and you choose to quickly downshift to first and lay off the throttle...yeah, it'll lock faster than you can say FUUUU....

[Azriel]

yeah happens all the time people shifting thru 5 gears
but for people like you the new (08+ i think) ninja got this clutch that opens up, preventing the back tire from lockin up ... dunno the name

[budlac]

thanks for the info, im a new rider and this helped, except when i read about downshifting. saying that u could lock up ur back wheel, if u have it at 3000rpm itd be pretty hard for the back to lock up right? itd only lock up at higher speeds? im freaking out about crashing so im just wondering?

Even if you lock the back wheel, it is only locked for half a second  (unless you do what organ donor suggests).  Just feather off the clutch, especially in turns, and you will be fine.  My rule of thumb for down shifting it count 1 steamboat 2 steamboat as you release it.  Goodluck!

[Jarl]

If you rev match, then there's practically no chance of you locking the back wheel.

And yes, it tends to only lock if you're at high revs and shift down.

And Azriel, it's a slipper clutch

[goofysam]

AWesome, thanks for all that, ill keep that in mind when i ride now and im not as worried.. im still gonna go easy when i ride coz im a noob though hahaha

[JasonV]

my rule of thumb: clutch is king

if u ever doubt pul in da clutch nd disconnet he trans.

when i 1st started biking i always forgot wat gear i was in (frkn dumb move)

now i cn just tell by the roar of the engine 

[Azriel]

And Azriel, it's a slipper clutch

thanks, that makes me the superfool of the day 
dare you jason to make now any stupid joke 

[pooka920]

so i have never riden a bike before and think this is helpful ... my boyfriend was tring to explain alot over the phone but the finally gave up and said to find a website that explains it all ... i am schedualed to take the course in a month... if anyone has any other tips they would be greatly appreciated 

[mrdaddyx]

I have read the majority of the post for beginners.. I definitely understand that I have a lot to learn and am willing. Right now doing research on what type of bike and just simply getting an education. I have several friends that ride different classes of bikes sport touring to cruisers to sport bikes they all say it is a great and that i will love it. I agree that i want to start out used and a small cc..There is one bike that has caught my eye. It is the kymco venox 250. keep in mind i am 240lbs and 5"9" has anyone ridden this bike or experienced this bike first hand....I have read allot of positive reviews..